“Helaman and the Two Thousand Young Warriors,” Friend, Sept. 1994, 16
Helaman and the Two Thousand Young Warriors
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The people of Ammon had promised God that they would never fight again. They lived near the Nephites, and the Nephites protected them. Alma 53:10–12
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When the enemies of the people of Ammon attacked the Nephites, the people of Ammon wanted to break their promise and help the Nephites fight. Alma 53:13
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Helaman and the other Nephite leaders did not want the people of Ammon to break their promise to God. Alma 53:14–15
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The young sons of the people of Ammon had not made this promise. They wanted to help the Nephite army fight for freedom. Alma 53:16–17
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Two thousand of these young men chose to help defend their country. They asked Helaman to be their leader. Alma 53:18–19
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These young men were valiant, brave, and strong. They were also honest and trustworthy, and they kept the commandments of God. Alma 53:20–21
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Helaman led his two thousand young warriors into battle. He called them his sons, and they called him father. Alma 53:22; Alma 56:46
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Although the sons of Helaman had never fought, they were not afraid. Their mothers had taught them that if they had faith in God, He would help them. Alma 56:47–48
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Helaman and his army fought several battles against the Lamanites. These young men obeyed all of Helaman’s commands. Alma 57:19–21
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After they fought bravely and helped drive the enemy away, Helaman found that all his sons had been hurt but that not one of them had been killed. Alma 57:22, 25
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It was a miracle. Helaman was very happy. He knew that these young men had been protected because of their great faith in God. Alma 57:26–27
Illustrated by Jerry Thompson